How to Use a VPN Within Your Browser to Protect Your Privacy

Major internet browsers now offer access to VPN services via a number of third-party extensions and in some cases through built-in features. These provide an easy and affordable means to protect your privacy and enjoy a censorship-free browsing experience.

Chrome VPN Extensions You Can Buy With Cryptocurrency

Using a virtual private network (VPN) to surf the internet has become almost a necessity these days on account of the growing need to preserve your online privacy or circumvent restrictions that may apply to a specific location or jurisdiction you are visiting. A number of providers offer VPN services, and many of them accept cryptocurrency. Browser extensions and integrated features are making it even easier to obtain uncensored and largely untraceable access to the web.

There are many options available for Google Chrome users, and crypto enthusiasts should be interested in some of them. VPN Mentor suggests several extensions, the providers of which are happy to be paid with cryptocurrencies. Private Internet Access is one of them; it can be downloaded directly from the Chrome Web Store. Once you install it and sign up, you’ll be able to choose a subscription plan. Fees start at $2.91 per month for a two-year subscription and cryptocurrency is accepted.

Express VPN is another popular choice. However, in order to take advantage of the Chrome extension, users need to install a desktop application first. Subscribers are required to register with an email on the VPN’s website, pick a plan ­– they start at a little over $8 per month – and choose a payment method. BTC is among the available options. Nord VPN is a simpler alternative, a proxy extension that hides your IP address but does not use the same tunneling/encryption technologies employed by VPNs. It can also be downloaded from the Chrome Web Store. A three-year plan costs $2.99 per month.

In most cases, when you install a VPN extension you’ll see its icon to the right of the address bar of your browser. Use the dropdown menu to change the settings and choose a preferred location. Some VPNs support additional security features, ensuring protection against malware and unwanted ads which can be activated there as well.

Mozilla Testing VPN Subscription Service

The aforementioned VPN services are also available as add-ons for Firefox, the internet browser that supports a variety of useful and often free extensions. However, the software company that develops Firefox is currently testing a new feature that will allow users to boost their privacy with better encryption for around $10 a month. Mozilla has recently teamed up with the Swiss company Proton VPN to integrate the paid subscription-based service which provides a higher level of security.

In addition, the servers of Proton VPN are located in Switzerland, Sweden and Iceland where local laws prevent authorities from accessing the stored information. The company also claims it does not log any data about the usage of their service. In a blog post, Mozilla revealed that it will offer the experimental feature to a group of Firefox users in the U.S. over the next few months, starting on Oct. 24. The service is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android systems. The company noted that the launch is part of its efforts to explore additional sources of revenue.

Opera Offers Free VPN Feature

Opera, another popular browser, has gone a step further by integrating a free VPN service. The feature is activated with a dedicated button that’s on the left side of the address bar and can be customized in the Settings tab. It comes with unlimited data transfer and enables users to switch between virtual locations. Several options are available, including Europe, the Americas, Asia, and an automated “Optimal location” setting. When active, it does slow down connection speeds a little, although there’s an option to bypass the VPN for default search engines. Nevertheless, the Opera VPN is a useful built-in feature that will not cost you anything and does not require a subscription.

What is your opinion about VPN browser extensions? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

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Lubomir Tassev is a journalist from tech-savvy Bulgaria, which sometimes finds itself at the forefront of advances it cannot easily afford. Quoting Hitchens, he says: ”Being a writer is what I am, rather than what I do.“ International politics and economics are two other sources of inspiration.

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